Islander Motel Santa Cruz

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking
Free self-parking
Reception
Seasonal outdoor pool
Point of interest

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is AU$122
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May

Explore the area

View map
522 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Ocean Street
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Pacific Avenue
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Room options

Family Room

  • 18 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(27 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking

  • 14 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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About the area

Santa Cruz

Islander Motel Santa Cruz puts you in the centre of Santa Cruz, 1.3 km (0.8 mi) from Mission Santa Cruz and 3.1 km (1.9 mi) from Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Highlights at this motel include free in-room WiFi. .This smoke-free motel offers free WiFi in public areas, a 24-hour front desk and a vending machine. Plus you'll find a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .With a stay at this Westside Santa Cruz motel, you'll be 3.4 km (2.1 mi) from Monterey Bay and 3.7 km (2.3 mi) from University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum.

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Pacific Avenue - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 2 min drive - 2.2 km

Getting around

  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taqueria Los Pericos - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Woodstock's Pizza Santa Cruz - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Pacific Cookie Company - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Buttery - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Islander Motel Santa Cruz

As a guest of Islander Motel Santa Cruz, you'll find a seasonal outdoor pool and a vending machine. WiFi is free in public spaces. Free self parking is available. You'll have access to the health club at a partner property.

This Santa Cruz motel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 22 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1963
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • No smoking on site
Islander Motel Santa Cruz offers 22 air-conditioned accommodations with a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board. Beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Bathrooms include baths or showers and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps). Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet (84 centimetre high)
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1963
  • Smoke-free property
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 50.00

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after noon please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child aged 5 years old or younger stays free per registered adult when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Early check-in fee: USD 25 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 50.00 (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and mobile payments; cash is not accepted
Mobile payment options include: Google Pay and Apple Pay
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, mobile payments, Google Pay and Apple Pay. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open on 15 May and close on 31 October.
  • One child aged 5 years old or younger stays free per registered adult in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Alcohol isn't served at Islander Motel Santa Cruz.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Islander Santa Cruz
The Islander Motel
The Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Islander Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Motel
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Motel Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

Islander Motel Santa Cruz offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

As of 5 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Islander Motel Santa Cruz on 18 May 2026 start from AU$122, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

Yep, Islander Motel Santa Cruz has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

Yep, Islander Motel Santa Cruz is a short 19-minute walk from Santa Cruz Main Beach.

Does Islander Motel Santa Cruz have a pool?

Islander Motel Santa Cruz has a seasonal outdoor pool. The pool is open from May 15 to October 31.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

No, Islander Motel Santa Cruz does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Islander Motel Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 442 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 368 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 103 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 37 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 53 out of 1003 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

AmyJune

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Love this hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

AmyJune

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Always nice to stay here when we're in Santa Cruz. We love how convenient the location is to downtown. And the staff is so lovely and remember which room we like to stay in.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kiara

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was really nice, and gave great recommendations for great food near by. The room and very clear. The hotel is perfectly located within 5 minute walking distanced to main street area. 10/10 would stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room Great staff
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dustin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great place
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
My go to hotel in SC. Clean Safe and the owners are wonderful!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patie, Santa Cruz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Easy parking, friendly, helpful person at check-in, close proximity to the downtown. Good value for the price. Have stayed here before and will stay here next time I’m in Santa Cruz
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Spotless. Fells like it’s been newly renovated. Excellent shower. Half a mile to the vibrant downtown. The receptionist was friendly and welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Ron

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was good
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean, comfortable and very accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mindy

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
I have stayed at this property 20 plus times. It is not fancy but quite clean and the staff is run by a family and they seem to really care. I stay here because I enjoy the owners (the family). Price is reasonable. Bed is comfortable, however the desk and chair is not great but I overlook this because I love the location and the people who work there.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Philip

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The motel's in a good location, staff are friendly, and the rooms are clean and tidy, however the beds are very hard and uncomfortable - did not get a good night's sleep either night. There are also very bright lights along the outside walkways and the curtains don't fully block them so there was very bright strip of light in the room all night long (didn't bother me but kept my wife awake the first night).
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Jane

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Rooms itself were clean. the entire facility, however was tires. Just needs a refresh.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gilbert

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very affordable
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfortable and safe!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jasmin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was comfortable and clean. The parking was right in front of our room so it was very convenient. The only thing I would mention is the noise from the parking lot in the morning got a little loud as people would leave.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

matthew

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leoncio

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Great
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Anita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pleasant short stay. Room was very small but had all the amenities we needed.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Jaime

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Okay do the reviews seem on par however i would like to add my 2 cents. Yes the rooms are affordable however i would never stay here again. There was a stain on my blanket and the pool closed very early. The couple who runs this place are the rudest people ever! We were so happy to go on this family trip but they charge extra per person which we did not know. It did not ask us how many people were staying and the front desk guy is super rude and sexist! He would not let me get a work in and talked over me. Very condescending towards women but once by husband stepped in it was a different tone. The woman is an instigator and they were speaking badly about us. The beds were not comfortable at all and its in a shady area. Parking lot is small and the rooms looked alot better in the photos than irl. Super disappointed, would not stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025